I'm getting ready to order a new Ed Brown full-size 1911 and I'm considering adding two custom features:

-an oversized magazine release button (not extended, just oversized)
-having the top of the slide flattened and serrated

I've never shot a 1911 with either of these features. Any pros or cons for either that I should be aware of?? Thanks in advance.

ES

I do not care for either one, but I am Old School.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
ES

I do not care for either one, but I am Old School.

+1 - The ergonomics that worked for millions of GIs work just fine for me.

Less is more. In my opinion if it isn't legal to shoot Service Pistol with you don't need it. They've changed the Service Pistol rules to allow front serations on slide because there are so many made that wasy it's hard to find a slide that isn't. The only fancy thing I'd do might be a set of tritium night sights.

Eland Slayer,

The flattened/serrated top of slide is strictly a cosmetic, personal taste issue. Sometimes it's claimed the serrations reduce glare and reflection but I doubt it would be an issue once in a dozen blue moons.

It's more like a set of fancy-grain wood grips. They won't make a bit of difference one way or another in shooting but if you like the appearance there's no reason not to have them. No law against having a nice-looking pistol. Look over photos of both styles and decide which looks better to you.

I like an oversize mag release button on a match gun. Doesn't matter most of the time but if it saves even one fumbled reload it is worthwhile. With proper technique it doesn't matter but if we all did everything right every time we'd all never lose a match.

Cons? Those I've used attach the oversized pad with an Allen-head screw. Occasionally the screw will loosen. Not a problem with a match gun where I have a toolkit in my gear bag and check the pistol before each stage, but could be an issue with a carry gun.

Also to detail-strip the pistol the pad needs to be removed which again means you need an Allen wrench handy.

Incidentally on the Ed Brown pistols I've shot, the barrel bushing is fitted snug but not tight, so it can be removed and the pistol field-stripped without the need of a bushing wrench. It's a feature I like.

I do occasionally use a match gun as a carry gun and haven't had problems with the oversize mag button accidentally releasing the mag, but I suppose it could happen with some holsters/circumstances.

On a carry 1911 I like the standard size button, but checkered to provide secure traction for the thumb.

Summing up I'd say flattened/serrated slide if the appearance appeals to you; standard mag button on a carry gun, maybe an oversize button on a match gun.


Dave Anderson

I would agree with Mr. Anderson.

I personally have all mine flattened and serrated, and I use a tactical extended mag release (longer, not bigger) on most of my builds.

Best of Luck.

Not sure what you are planning on doing w/this 1911 so...
In regular carry holsters, both duty and concealed, one must be careful w/extended slide stops, extended safeties, and any change to the original mag. release. Any of this will function at the most wrong time if the holster is not designed for such changes to the original design. With race gun holsters, I'd guess it's not much of a problem,...don't have any experience w/them, just seen them in catalogs. Off the shelf holster might be a problem. Custom shouldn't matter.

RVL , exactly.Oversized releases were banned in IPSC for the same reason .Carry guns should be kept as simple as possible --no un=neccessary mods.

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going to pass on the oversized mag release.....but I'm going to have the top flattened and serrated.....mainly because I like the way it looks, and as long as I'm spending over $2,000 on a custom 1911.....the extra $100 doesn't seem so bad.

We await pictures of the new family member.

I am/was and IPSC shooter and we do lots of stuff to 1911s.

I like to have the top of the slide done.

I do not particularly like large mag release buttons. BUT ... I do like the Smith and Alexander right side release that replaces the entire release assembly.

This one requires that you take your trigger finger off of the trigger to dump a magazine ... but it really is the safe thing to do and is much more comfortable and mechanically easy thing to do!

(John Browning was left handed. When the mirrored the prototype ... the mag release was the only thing they forgot to move across.)

I placed my order today. I ordered an Ed Brown Special Forces (5" government model) and I'm having them remove the "Special Forces" engraving from the left side, because I honestly hate that name for a handgun.

I'm also getting them to flatten and serrate the top of the slide, as well as include 2 of their "8-pack" eight round magazines. Now I just have to wait 90 days and I'll post pictures of my newest family member!!

JMO, long time 1911 shooter, you do NOT NEED or even want an extended mag release. It's an accident waiting to happen on a carry piece. FIne for the range, but can be engaged in a holster & just not needed for 99% of any shooting situation. I do like the flattened/serr slide top, looks great, as noted like fancy grips, but not needed.